Windows 2000 Server Domain Controller issue

lynnfurlonger

Hiya,

I had a windows 2000 server set up as a backup domain controller. This server has died and I have bought a new server to replace it. I had hoped to call the new server the same name but when I try to it says there is already another server called this. I have removed the old server from computer in Active Directory but cannot remove it from the Domain Controller folder. I get the error "The DSA fobject cannot be deleted". Any ideas what I need to do?

MunsterCycling

Did you remember to demote the box as a DC before you removed it from AD?

Ginger

Should be able to use DCPROMO to promote it to the status of domain controller

lynnfurlonger

I did try to demote it but it didnt allow me as it said it wasnt available.

seamus

If you didn't demote the domain controller before taking it offline, then you'll need to manually remove it from the domain.

I had to do this last week, it's actually quite simple. First off, delete the computer account from the domain (it'll probably be under the Domain Controllers OU). If you can't do this, don't worry.

Then you need to clean up the metadata left behind by the DC:
http://www.petri.co.il/delete_failed_dcs_from_ad.htm

Now you can add the new domain controller to the domain and use dcpromo to promote it to backup DC.

If you encounter errors along the way, just google the error message and you'll probably find the problem/solution straight away.

lynnfurlonger

Excellent Seamus, That seems to be doing the trick.

MunsterCycling

Ahh never underestimate the power of boards.ie users to answer your tech questions...